Meaning of enlighten in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ɪnˈlaɪtn/

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  1. Verb

    enlighten

    Etymology

    Middle English (in the sense ‘make luminous’; formerly also as inlighten): in early use from Old Englishinlīhtan ‘to shine’; later from en-, in-(as an intensifier) + lighten or the noun light

    Definitions

    1. make understand

    Examples

    • « Can you enlighten me--I don't understand this proposal »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. give spiritual insight to

    Examples

    • « in religion »
  3. 3. make free from confusion or ambiguity

    Examples

    • « make clear »
    • « Could you clarify these remarks? »
    • « Clear up the question of who is at fault »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us. »
    Charles de Secondat
  • « When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist. »
    Akhenaton

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